Your Fitness Future Foretold: 20 Predictions for 2008
Happy new year! This is the first post in 2008 for the Burn The Fat Blog and today I’m going to predict your future and forecast exactly what kind of results you’re going to get in 2008. Sylvia Browne, step aside… I’m pretty good at this..
Several years ago, a public relations firm in New York City asked me to write an article for one of their publications about fitness trends and predictions for the coming year.
It turned out that my “crystal ball” was pretty darn accurate. I nailed most of the predictions I made about aerobics classes, yoga, core training, “holistic” approaches, online personal training technology, the baby boomer market, increasing obesity and many other subjects. I do confess, it wasn’t that difficult, because instead of just taking a stab in the dark at it, I actually did some research on industry statistics. I also had some “insider insights” because I’d been a health club manager for so many years and was privy to fitness business trends. This year, instead of making predictions for the whole fitness industry, what if I could take out my crystal ball again and predict with 99% precision exactly what kind of results you will achieve with your body by the end of 2008? Well, I can do that too! I would claim that I have some kind of “gift” for this, but to be honest, you and I don’t need to be psychic to make predictions like these. There are two things you can always count on: (1)Nature’s laws of cause and effect and (2) human nature.On that basis, here are my 20 fitness predictions for 2008:
I PREDICT that if you can reach into your pocket on any day in 2008 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your body and fitness goals written on it in vivid detail, the odds are 95 to 1 in favor of you achieving every one of those goals before the end of the year.
I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, you will reach your goals so fast in 2008, it will make your head spin.
I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don’t want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.
I PREDICT that if you made a new year’s resolution, but you didn’t turn it into a specific, written goal with a deadline and a strong reason why you must achieve it, you will freely abandon it the moment the going gets tough.
I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with it when the going gets tough
I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough.
I PREDICTthat if you can tell me today what is your life purpose and what is your lifelong vision for your body and your health, you will still be as motivated and driven at the end of the year as you were at the beginning.
I PREDICT that if you don’t have long term goals and a “big picture” vision for your life that you will lose your New Year’s enthusiasm and motivation in a matter of months or even weeks.
I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind’s eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.
I PREDICT that if you have a setback that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself “this just is temporary; this too shall pass,” then it won’t set you back and it will pass.
I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won’t even make much of an effort this year.
I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.
I PREDICT that if you’re unhappy with your physical condition and you say, “it’s not my fault” or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2008 as it did on New Year’s day.
I PREDICT that the more you have patience, a long term perspective and the ability to postpone immediate gratification, the more likely you are to be a success one year from now.
I PREDICT that the more you seek “miracle pills” or “quick fixes,” the more likely you are to be a failure one year from now.
I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2008.
I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers and negative people this year, you will become just like them.
I PREDICT that if you hang out with winners and positive people this year, you will become just like them.
I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners.
I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2008, you will double your chances for success. If you surround yourself with numerous support partners, you will become virtually unstoppable.
So how does your future look for 2008?Based on my “predictions,” if it doesn’t look as bright as you’d like it to be, then don’t worry, because a prediction is not predestination.
You can’t do anything to change the past, but by changing your thoughts, attitudes and actions in the present moment, the future is yours to create.
Your friend and coach,Tom Venuto
www.BurnTheFat.com
PS this article may be reprinted online or distributed by email provided the authors by line credit and website links are included.
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BURN THE FAT, FEED THE MUSCLE
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How to burn body fat and keep it off for life, with no supplements, no pills and no starvation diets:
www.BurnTheFat.com——————————————————————————————
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11 January, 2008 posted in Mind & Motivation
Comments
Everything you predicted is right on the money. It just depends on how someone wants to change or not.
I also thank you for the free newsletter filled with great and articulate information. I personally neglected my body for 40 years and was 20 lbs. over weight - not counting how out of shape I was.
I have changed this and have put things in place to achieve the necessary goals so I can be around for my wife and children.
I am down to 16% body fat and continue to build muscle and strength through proper eating habits, cardio and weight trainning.
My son is amazed at how daddy has changed so quickly! It is always best to lead by example - you can only pull a chain.
With that being said - I can testify that everything you teach is the healthy way to live, eat, work out and BURN THE FAT!
I wish you the best in 2008!
Posted by: Jimmy S. | January 11, 2008 5:12 PM
I have never commented before but I felt compelled to do so today. I love your news letters because they are so down to earth and not self serving, despite this being the way you make your living. I sense a real commitment to help people lead better lives through empowerment and self motivation.
Your "predictions" rang especially true for me as I have always been conscious and accountable for my body and my health, however, easily fall off the wagon with all the typical excuses... I eventually get back on track, but never in that completely commited way, hence my less than satisfied perception of me.
My sister recently had lipodissolve with the promise of "no down time" and "amazing results" and she genereously gave me a cheque as a x-mas present so I could have the option to do the same. Her heart is in the right place but her priorities aren't. She is in pain, still swollen and not seeing these amazing results three weeks later.
I really hope she gets at least a modicum of normal after everything heals, but it just reminded me of everything you keep drilling at us to stop with the magic quick fixes and JUST DO IT! Exercise and eating right, no other way. Thanks for firing me up and keep doing what you do.
Gratefully,
Hélène
Posted by: Helene | January 11, 2008 6:19 PM
Dear Tom,
I just want to let you know how much I appreciated the 2008 predictions newsletter you created for all your readers to see. I especially liked your last statement about thoughts, attitudes and actions. It really hit home with some things I am going through in my personal life. Thanks for sharing all your thoughts and inspiring me to open my own nutrition consulting business. I joined your program almost two years ago and started competing in bodybuilding a year and a half ago and I love it. Thanks again for all your inspirations.
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | January 11, 2008 6:38 PM
Hi Tom
This was an outstanding read.
Regards
--Steve
Posted by: steve | January 11, 2008 6:40 PM
Awesome newsletter Tom! I just taped it to my wall at work.
I'm turning 40 next month and lost 35 lbs last year (from 225 to 190) following all your advice/knowledge and just wanted to say "THANKS".
This year we'll start building muscle and getting those last 10-15 lbs of fat off!.
Sincerely,
Mark B.
Posted by: Mark | January 11, 2008 6:59 PM
Thanks, Tom. I was feeling a bit discouraged over lack of progress. I just decided today that it was time to read the beginning chapters of BFFM again. The New Year newsletter drove that point home for me. I did make many positive changes on 2007 and stuck to them. Now it's time to refine and go for the finish line! Thank you so much Tom!
Posted by: Debbie | January 11, 2008 7:18 PM
Thank you so much for your most recent article (your "predictions" article). It was focused, sincere, true and motivating. I have always dreamed of achieving my goals but have never reduced them to clear, written goals. I should also say that I have never achieved my fitness goals....I have done plenty of dreaming though!!
I will begin again, renewed and refreshed with a well defined purpose.
Again, thank you.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | January 11, 2008 11:19 PM
Dear Tom
Thank you so much for sending such a lovely letter to your friends. Although I am an Iranian girl, as you may know, over here there are lots of limitations and discrimination for ladies. Still, I have really really decided to do all the points you had referred in your predictions.
When ever I read some thing by you I become very excited and this time I did take in all the words in your letter . I have got a good body and it's been a long time I have tried to keep myself at this weight (I am 32 years old, 164 centimeters height and 55 kg weight ) but it's been a dream for me to slim my legs more. ,I also love to widen my shoulders.
I have promised myself to stick to your points and try to make it happen. I love your letters so much Tom. Sorry if I have some mistakes in my writing composition,English is a foreign language in Iran.
yours truly
Sarah
Posted by: sarah | January 12, 2008 9:14 AM
Sounds like someone's been reading/watching "the secret," huh? Haha ... No, in all seriousness, it really is all great advice and how I TRY to liveall aspects of my life.
Posted by: Sarah | January 12, 2008 10:53 AM
This latest article is so helpful. You have opened my eyes to ways I am defeating myself on a daily basis.
Posted by: Sharon | January 12, 2008 12:03 PM
Hi there, i read your predictions for 2008 and i printed them out and i have put them in the front of my journal. I read them every time i doubt my personal goals. I'm now going to call them my "personal rules to self help and obtaining my fitness and wieght levels".
Every time i feel like i'm going off the wagon i will read them and remind myself to be positive and to not look back on my personal failures.
Last year wasn't too good for me. I had a major tooth infection which led to a strong course of anti-biotics which in its turn destroyed all the good bacteria in my gut, before i knew it i had put on over thirty pounds in seven months. I resolved that issue by eating plenty of pro biotic foods. Then unfortunatley as i was getting back into a good exercise regime i injured my back, the pain was so bad i couldn't get out of bed without some kind of help, i went to a very good chiropractor and within a couple of months i was almost back to being pain free again.
I don't think i ever really gave up on my personal fitness goals there were just a little out of reach at times. Now i have the predections for 2008 i will always look upon them
on an almost daily basis and try to get where i want to be before the year is out.
Thankyou for having the foresite to actually share these with ordinairy people like me, and millions of others. Its truly not often that you can find motivation so precious for free.
Thankyou again.
Helen.
Posted by: helen | January 12, 2008 2:56 PM
Very inspiring...you are definatley where you belong in life!!! Thank you so much!!
Posted by: Deborah.Kerr | January 12, 2008 4:33 PM
dear tom,
just thanking you for your newsletters would be short in manners..you REALLY helped me out..what you did is give me the courage to start for my goal..to help me get FOCUSED..as you said anyone can get better than his or her present physical state no matter how fat he or she is...and i also liked the line.."TRAIN HARD AND EXPECT SUCCESS."...this line gives a definite solution, we all know witohut pain there is no gain(meaning no success,not weight gain..:-).. ) so keep up the good work and keep motivating us as we really would love that.
THANK YOU
Bushra
Posted by: bushra | January 12, 2008 11:33 PM
Hi Tom,
Just wanted to let you know that this newsletter - as well as everything else that you write - is phenomenal. Your language is so compelling and inspiring! It's one thing to have this gift; it's quite another to use it. Thank you for having the drive and courage to do what you do, and thank you for putting so much of yourself into it.
Thanks again!
Marcelle
Posted by: Marcelle | January 12, 2008 11:38 PM
I really want to thank you for all the efforts you place in takng time to motivate others. That's what we are supposed to do and you are another positive example of "good and caring" people in this world. Happy New Year and again, thanks for all your efforts and concern.
SRMiller
Posted by: srmiller | January 12, 2008 11:58 PM
"You can't do anything to change the past, but by changing your
thoughts, attitudes and actions in the present moment, the future is yours to create."
I've never read such a powerfull message...Nuff said!!!
Posted by: Andy | January 13, 2008 8:34 AM
Hi Tom,
Thank you for this.... as well as your website and newsletters.
Wish you the best,
Amna
Posted by: Amna | January 13, 2008 1:43 PM
Great article, Tom! Thanks for the permission to distribute, I'll post it in the articles section of my website.
Posted by: Carrie | January 14, 2008 2:16 PM
Dear Tom!
I am a Ukrainian lady,and I like to read your articles. They are always helpful and inspiring! Your predictions is a great gift to me, I will fix it on my desk. You give good example how to inspire people, sure, in this way Life will give you one hundred times more!
all the best!
Tanya from Ukraine
Posted by: Tanya | January 16, 2008 7:11 AM
Hi Tom,
I've been in the weight management field for over 20 years. You did an excellent job of summing up most of the "secrets" of success! Keep up the great work.
Elaine Murphy, BA, CNC
Posted by: Elaine | January 18, 2008 3:25 PM
WOW - what can I say - I'm blown away - you are talking about the truth here man - the first thing I'm doing tonight when I go home (And yes its a Friday) its writing all my goals down in as great detail as possible and creating a card that I carry around me.
Thanks - you are a genius at fitness and IM Business. You are one of my heroes.
Posted by: June Beezy | January 18, 2008 3:30 PM
Hey Tom,
This is the first one of these I've ever responded to, so 1st - thanks a lot for all of these newsletters, updates, tips, etc, and I really got a great deal out of BFFM.
I had never stuck to a regular weight lifting routine until after reading your book, and I don't there's much coincidence there. I plan to reach my ideal body fat % this year for the first time in my life.
The reason for the reply on this one - this was pretty badass, definitely my favorite among favorites. I also like the "sure things" a lot.
I especially enjoyed this:
"There are two things you can always count on: (1) Nature's laws
of cause and effect and (2) human nature. "
Nicely done,
Chad
Posted by: chad | January 18, 2008 3:31 PM
Dear Tom,
Its no surprise that you received so many emails regarding your predictions. They were so good I think you should mention them at the beginning of EVERY year from now on.
We all certainly need motivating mainly because we have been swamped with 'fast food', which we think is pretty normal to eat most of the time.
Your website is an inspiration to us all and we appreciate you very much.
Anna.
Posted by: anna S. | January 19, 2008 10:09 AM
SaWEET!
While most articles and publications choose to focus on why 95% of people will fail to reach their goals, you come out with your very first prediction that focuses on the positive...
..."the odds are 95 to 1 in favor of you achieving every one of those goals before the end of the year."
My prediction for 2008...
Thousands of people will realize the importance of a powerful mindset and actually apply these amazing strategies which will lead to the achievement of lean and sexy bodies...
All because of your relentless pursuit of what really works when it comes to fat loss Tom. You are a crusader!
Scott Tousignant, BHK, CFC
http://www.UnstoppableFatLoss.com
Posted by: Scott Tousignant | January 20, 2008 10:50 AM
Hi Tom, I just wanted to thank you for your great articles and ebook. Based on what I've learned from you and others, I've managed to lose 20 lbs of fat and gain 25 lbs of lean muscle so far. I am a LOT stronger than I was a year ago and feel great about how I look. Your ebook was the first one I ever purchased, so I started my new blog out with a review of your fantastic book!
Best wishes!
Posted by: Paul | January 29, 2008 4:33 AM
Thanks for a good reminder.
As I was working through this task I was very surprised to discover that my weakest point was my belief in not having any power to significantly influence anything that had to do with my body. "No matter what you tell yourself, things are as they are, they won't change" was the hidden mantra I was obviously repeating, even if unconsciously.
I was surprised how strong that opinion was in me. No wonder it throws me off the wagon each time after a couple of months, especally when things start to look better. Once I were near my goal...then I grew physically tired, a doctor discovered severe anemia and before I knew what training went out the window and I gained 20 pounds (but gained no iron in my blood).
I simply give up on mysef when things start looking brighter.
Hopefully this will change now.
Posted by: Astrea | February 17, 2008 4:34 PM
Dear Tom,
First of all let me thank you for the emotional support you gave me through the news letters. Before writing any further let me tell you that i used to way 115 Kgs (3 yrs back), tried the dieting way and was reduced to fats and bones instead of muscles. It was a "DISASTER", Now i dont diet (Apart from avoiding food with high FAT CONTENT) and all thanks to your advise and motivation that i am exercising (Both weight and cardio) my way to fitness.
Posted by: Kris | April 7, 2008 1:43 AM